DownUnderToff

Think we have to hold fire until end of season. (Realistic) available options aren't good enough and can only see an Arteta/assistant manager type, making the move mid season. Someone willing to solidify the backline for 6 months only, would be perfect in the meantime.

During the first 20 mins, I would have said the players now just badly need a circuit breaker (coach sacking). I couldn't watch much of the rest of the game, so not sure how much they turned it around and now back on the fence.

Iwobi is/has been rubbish, with spurned chances and failed challenges

...For now...

Would love Favre, but think our chance with him was pre-Dortmund.

Was thinking about Kovac. Looking at his game style (at Frankfurt), I'm not sure we've got the players to suit.

He just signed a new contract, so he's costing anyone a lot more.

Ah bugger... Throw a challenge to Beni?

Pickford Sidibe Mina Holgate Digne Delph Davies Gylfi Iwobi Charli DCL/Tosun No point playing Morgan, we need to go for a win and need guys that can play a killer ball. Probably going to be a bit crowded around the middle of the front 3rd, so might need to swap Walcott in for Iwobi to keep more width. Prefer DCL, but if we're trying to break down a tight defense, Tosun's feet are probably better. Gordon better be on the bench, the youthful exuberance and creativity we need to pull out a result (or to give a much deserved run, if winning).

If he did, Iwobi's picking out the goalkeeper would have to play a role.

Might need to add Erik ten Hag to the list.

The 18-20yr old players that make it into a top half premier league team are pretty rare (or in an "unsexy" position). Take a look at where the majority of our current starters were at 18 - 20. They were playing regularly, in lower leagues/teams. Richarlison's are rare enough, but even he went via Fluminense and Watford. Mount and Tomori spent 2-3 years on loan. Sancho had to leave. Regular, senior, competitive football is a critical part of their development. We're holding on to kids for too long in u18s & u23s. If we think they're potentially good enough but aren't willing to risk playing/developing them, then we need to be loaning them out. Whether you think he's good enough or not, don't think anyone can argue that DCL hasn't improved since getting increased senior minutes.

Prefer Davies over Morgan.

Needed to take more of a risk today, should have hooked Schneiderlin for Davies.

That's just assuming they're taking the cup run seriously, otherwise flip the games.

We did... but I'm suggesting they start him against United at home, with Gomes and/Delph held over for Wednesday.

He's better than Morgan, mostly a different role though. Even at 4th choice, I'd agree with the loan. Needs to be playing regularly. Not to the champs though, he's already better than that. Lower prem or bundesliga. Moot point though. He's stuck till January and Silva needs to get him game time. If we're going for the cup, Sheffield United at home probably a good chance to start.

Scored 2, winning 2 penalties (hit post with one), in an 8:2 demolition. Looked to be playing on the right wing, prefer to get him on the bench instead of Walcott.

Would definitely have him on the bench

DCL - but bring Kean on earlier. Time to start really laying the challenge down to DCL. Challenge him to find those dangerous spots or to make something happen, more than just a line leading workhorse.

Really? Thought he was clearly our best in the first 45.

Start of the season (injury permitting) would have to be Bernard DCL Richarlison Iwobi and Kean will need time to settle in, before trying to displace Bernard and DCL.

He'll certainly hold on to the ball better than Walcott

Mee...

Hmmm... worth a shot, 60m at Neves